1.American Hustle

When did it come out? Limited release on Dec. 20; wide release on Dec. 25

What’s it about? Loosely based on the Abscam scandal that put several congressmen and a U.S. senator in jail in the early ’80s, Hustle sees director David O. Russell pull out on-point and often hilarious performances from his stars — Christian Bale as a con man, Amy Adams as his mistress, Bradley Cooper as a striving federal agent, and Jennifer Lawrence as his wife — in this loose morality tale.

2.The Wolf of Wall Street

What’s it about? An absolutely insane film adaptation of the memoir of Jordan Belfort, who built up a fortune peddling bullshit and penny stocks in the late ’80s and early ’90s before his scam fell apart and he ended up in the slammer. With Leonardo DiCaprio playing the brash and ballsy Belfort, Martin Scorsese’s film plays like a smarter, more relevant Great Gatsby.

3.The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

What’s it about? This adaptation of James Thurber’s classic short story is placed in modern times with Ben Stiller playing the titular character who works at Life magazine. He imagines himself on the sort of adventures that the fabled periodical depicts in photos, while an amazingly bearded Adam Scott plays his work adversary and Kristen Wiig co-stars as his love interest.

Who’s in it? Ben Stiller, Adam Scott, Kristen Wiig, Kathryn Hahn

Who should see it? It hasn’t gotten very good reviews, but anyone who likes Arcade Fire and is looking for some adventurous family fare might enjoy it.

6.August: Osage County

When does it come out? Limited release on Dec. 27; wide release on Jan. 10

What’s it about? An adaptation of Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play, the big screen version of this tragicomedy centers on an Oklahoma family that reunites upon the death of its patriarch. Rivalries, bitterness, secrets, and new developments all pour out, resulting in fireworks.

8.Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

What’s it about? This under-the-radar film is a follow-up to the 2004 cult hit and frat-boy-catchphrase-generator Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. In the sequel, Will Ferrell returns as the titular doofus newscaster, whose travels take him to New York City at the dawn of the ’80s.

9.Her

What’s it about? A soulful film set in a near future where cell phones can become sentient beings using advanced artificial intelligence. Joaquin Phoenix plays a depressed guy who falls in love with the “woman” in his phone, who’s voiced by Scarlett Johansson. A look at the coming reality of our always-connected lives, Spike Jonze’s film will make you put away your iPhone… for at least a few minutes this weekend.

10.The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

What’s it about? The middle chapter of Peter Jackson’s second middle-earth franchise (adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings prequel series) is still fun (maybe too much fun!), with lots of set pieces and a long game of footsie with a dragon.

11.Inside Llewyn Davis

When did it come out? Limited release on Dec. 6; slowly expanding nationally

What’s it about? This is the Coen Brothers’ glimpse into the folk scene of early ’60s Greenwich Village, in the days right before the emergence of Bob Dylan as the neighborhood’s leading man. Oscar Isaac plays a sad sack, irascible singer-songwriter reeling from the deaths of both his music partner and his own sense of joy. He gives a performance that puts you on his side, even as he disappoints everyone around him; his soulful singing makes it impossible not to sympathize — and for many, empathize.